Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1887-01-17

"eighty" is to bear the pail which covers
dead hopes.
SITABONANZA OR 4 DEL USION?
Senator Bells bill, the details of which
have been given in GAZETTE specials from
Austin, is one of the most fascinating
propositions likely to come up during the
present session. Heretofore the COM
plant has been that over-lavishness has
been the fault of Texas in regard to
lands; that the state gave away millions
of acres to very little purpose, etc.
Senator Bell is evidently the disciple Of a
a new pcliCy-that of acquisition instead
Of distribution. He believes that Texas,
By going to law, can acquire big slice Of
tie state of Kansas, and an equally gen.
erous cut out of the Indian Territory-an
area equal to that of several states like
New Hampshire-andt to consummate this
undertaking he would have the state en-
ploy lawyers, enter suit and 90 to law in
earnest. OF course money will be needed
and Senator Bells bill provides for an
appropriation to pay the lawyers and the
court fees. 1t is an unusually attractive
proposition, aud the legislature will
probably take hold of it right heartily.
That it will be popular with the lawyers
goes without saying, as they will get
their fees (and big ones) no matter what
the result. THE GAZETTE desires to deal
with the matter fairly and dispassionately,
having no other object in view but to
subserve the best interests of the state.
The proposition is novel and rather
startling. Senator Bell kept quiet on the
subject until ready to spring it on the
legislature, and it may be said in all can
dor that there are few journals or men in
the state, excepting Senator Bell himself,
who are in a position to tender valuable
opinion as to the meries of the PROPOSE
ton. Mr.. Bell must be convinced that
his position is absolutely tenable and GER
tain to be indicated, or as shreWd pub
lie man as he Is would not risk his
prestige by enceayoring to commit the
state to the undertaking. THE GAZETTE
confesses frankly that until it learns
more of the grounds on which the
state must base it's suit it cannot as
sumo the proposed measure is either just
or wise. If Texas really owns all the ter
ritory described, and has been kept out
of it all these long years, then the In
dams and the state of Kansas ought to
be compelled TO give it up. Everybody
is as big now as all out Of doors. but
needs more land. II Greer county is
closed to the holders of veteran certifi-
Gates, which appears highly probable,
they may find refuge in the new
territory which Mr., Bells DILL proposes
to acquire. 1t is very, very
alluring scheme. But for all this
THE GAZETTE ventures the hope
that the legislature, in considering
the proposition will go slow. Texas is
now contending for an extensive terri
tory Green county, the ownership Of
which is an open question. 1t might be
well to see how we fare in that matter
and get It disposed of satisfactorily be-
fore inaugurating this new land acquisl
ton movement. OF course Kansas and
the Indians will put up stubborn fight
against the claim and money will have to
be spent very freely by Texas before even
a favorable termination can be hoped for,
and there is always the possibility OF de-
feat, with the outlay of money and effort
for naught Legislators ought to study
the question in all its phases, get Of
possible) a clear idea of the legal
and moral aspects before giving
their consent to embarking the state in
expensive and tedious litigation. Texas
will be the laughing stock Of the country
if she sets up this claim and is not able
to prove it's Justice. THE GAZETTE does
not desire to be understood as throwing
cold water oh Mr.. Bells proposition or
Understanding Its importance. 1t may
prove to be q Just, wise measure, sus-
ceptible of being carried TO success, and
TEE GAZETTE will be gratitied if such is
the outcome. All that is urged is that
every step taken in the premises
shall he made with intellig ant,
deliberate circumspectlon lest over
jealous haste shall put the state i i a po-
sition that will ultimately prove the re-
verse o. creditable or desirable. That is
all, and the subject is dismissed for the
present with the remark that whstever
the outcome Mr.. Bell at least deserves
credit for his Industrious investigations
and aspirations. He has undoubtedly